Re: Gecko + Servos + Taig Mill

Tim, et all:

Due to my status as a newbie, I have a simple question about servos.
I've seen servos listed as DC brush, DC brushless and AC. This would
lead me to assume that they are (simply) common motors with encoders
and (sometimes?) brakes.

I was previously under the assumption that servos were steppers with
sensors incase of lost steps.

Can anyone clarify my foggy understanding of servos, or perhaps
provide a website that would substitute?

Secondly, I looked on Camtronic's website, and it listed only
steppers, no servos, for sale. Am I looking in the wrong place, or am
I just confused?

Thirdly, after doing some research I've noticed that servos seem to
be rated using Newton-meters, inch-pounds, foot-pounds, and watts.
*How much* of *what* should I be looking for to run a Taig mill?

Lastly, I would ideally like to add some other features to my mill
including a coolant system, and perhaps (a BIG perhaps) an auto tool
changer. This would require inputs and outputs from software and
controller. Is there any software that will support micro-controller
or PLC type programming along with CNC control? I understand I'm
getting into high-end sotware and hardware, but it's fun to dream.

Thanks for any help,

Robin

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Tim Goldstein" <timg@k...> wrote:
> Hello Robin,
>
> I am sure you will get lots of advise, but for the most bang for
the buck
> here is what I would suggest:
>
> I would suggest you look at the Gecko G320 drives (servos instead of
> steppers. The performance is better, but they are a little more
work to set
> up) Get the case, power supply, and motors from Camtronics, the
driver
> software from Yeager Automation, and the CAD/CAM from IMService.
> You can get motors cheaper if you cruise E-bay, but you have to
know what
> you are looking for. The Camtronics ones are reasonably prices and
known to
> work great.
>
> Gecko
> http://www.geckodrive.com
> Camtronics
> http://www.seanet.com/~dmauch/
> Yeager Automation
> http://www.yeagerautomation.com
> IMService
> http://www.imsrv.com
> (Special pricing for the CAD CAM group, look for Fred Smiths
postings here
> and follow the link)
>
> There are pictures of the Camtronics servo case with power supply
on my
> website at http://www.ktmarketing.com/CamtronicsServoCase.htm
>
> Tim
> [Denver, CO]
>